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Newest iPad a hit at Athens stores

Regional and health reporter

Whether techie or Luddite, it was nearly impossible to not notice the excitement this weekend for the newly released iPad.

PeachMac Athens at Epps Bridge Parkway did brisk business in the new device starting with Friday morning sales, said Darryl Peck, PeachMac founder, president and chief executive officer.

“We’ve pretty far exceeded our expectations,” Peck said.

The increase in sales could continue for several weeks, he said. Last year, sales of iPad 2s were strong for eight weeks after the release date.

People lined up outside all eight of PeachMac’s locations to buy the new iPad, Peck said.

People who want something better than the iPad 2 won’t be disappointed. The new tablet’s technology is amazing, he said.

“It’s better. The screen is just so outrageous,” he said.

The tablet also runs much quicker because it uses a LTE 4G wireless — a type of ultra-broadband Internet access that allows the device to download information about 10 times quicker than other services.

Cator Hartley didn’t dash in to PeachMac to replace her original iPad, but she did check out the new device and ask about its features.

“Do I need one, and if so, why?” Hartley said. “I’m trying to determine what it has that my current one doesn’t have.”

Customers also are picking up their new iPads at the Epps Bridge Parkway AT&T store, said manager Jerome Robinson.

Robinson doesn’t yet own the newest iPad, but he’s got plans to buy one after the steady stream of customers slows down.